"At a mile distant their thousand hooves were stuttering thunder, coming at a rate that frightened a man - they were an awe inspiring sight, galloping through the red haze - knee to knee and horse to horse - the dying sun glinting on bayonet points..." Trooper Ion Idriess
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Wednesday, 7 August 2002
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen, War Diary, 7 August 1900 Topic: BW - NSW - NSWIB
NSWIB
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen
War Diary, 7 August 1900
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen War Diary, 7 August 1900.
This is an extract from the War Diary written by Major David Miller, Adjutant of the New South Wales Imperial Bushmen who arrived in the Mozambique port of Biera and then moved to Rhodesia as part of the journey for deployment in South Africa to see action in the Boer War.
7th August 1900 - [Monday]
Obtained from Government Stores and issued to Squadrons two days supplies, also refilled Supply Column. Completed work by 3 a.m. of the 8th August.
Miller resupplies the column with commercial stores at Zeerust.
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen, War Diary, 6 August 1900 Topic: BW - NSW - NSWIB
NSWIB
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen
War Diary, 6 August 1900
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen War Diary, 6 August 1900.
This is an extract from the War Diary written by Major David Miller, Adjutant of the New South Wales Imperial Bushmen who arrived in the Mozambique port of Biera and then moved to Rhodesia as part of the journey for deployment in South Africa to see action in the Boer War.
6th August 1900 - [Sunday]
In Camp. Rations practically exhausted. Stock now consists of 480 lb biscuit and 350 lb meat for 1,500 men.
11 a.m. Enemy reported on our left flank - Convoy consists now of 150 wagons, 30 Scotch carts, 6 ambulance wagons, 6 water carts - covering two miles in depth. Engaged the enemy - drove him out - passed the Convoy safely although he had attacked our rear and threatened our centre before the whole column was in motion. Arrived at Zeerust - 26 miles at 3.30 a.m. of the 7th August.
Miller and the supply column flee while being under attack by the Boers. Rations are short for the men but the column arrives safely to Zeerust. New stores are sought for the men's rations.
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen, War Diary, 4 August 1900, page 2 Topic: BW - NSW - NSWIB
NSWIB
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen
War Diary, 4 August 1900, page 2
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen War Diary, 4 August 1900, page 2.
This is an extract from the War Diary written by Major David Miller, Adjutant of the New South Wales Imperial Bushmen who arrived in the Mozambique port of Biera and then moved to Rhodesia as part of the journey for deployment in South Africa to see action in the Boer War.
4th August 1900 - Saturday cont.
The scale of rations for tomorrow will be - Buscuit ½ lb, fresh meat if procurable, groceries according to capacity of stock.
I obtained by requisition Mealie say 50,000 lb and stacked them on the edge of the plateau were holding in the shape of hasty breastwork.
7.15 p.m. Received orders to inspan at once, loading as much of the rations on to the wagons as possible and proceed to Zeerust as our Column had failed in its attempt to relieve Colonel Hore at Elands River and was rapidly falling back hard pressed by the enemy.
7.45 p.m. Mules inspanned, wagons retiring across drift arrived at previous camp at 8.30 p.m. halted. Received orders to return to position just vacated and endeavour to bring in or destroy the forage. Some 80,000 lbs left there. Proceeded forthwith found some empty oxen wagons - requisitioned them and secured the whole of the forage - my equipment and sundry stores left by the troops in the hurry of retirement - saw last wagon away - arrived in camp at 4 a.m.. (Column arrived at 9 p.m.)
Miller received 50,000 lbs of mealies which was stored on a plateau. The battle at Elands River went badly and the supply column was ordered to return to Zeerust with as much supplies as possible. The immense quanities of stores were eventually moved.
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen, War Diary, 4 August 1900, page 1 Topic: BW - NSW - NSWIB
NSWIB
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen
War Diary, 4 August 1900, page 1
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen War Diary, 4 August 1900, page 1.
This is an extract from the War Diary written by Major David Miller, Adjutant of the New South Wales Imperial Bushmen who arrived in the Mozambique port of Biera and then moved to Rhodesia as part of the journey for deployment in South Africa to see action in the Boer War.
4th August 1900 - Saturday
The Column marched out ot 7 a.m. and arrived at Potchefstroom at noon - distance 12 miles. The heavy work is wearing the mules out. Several bad drifts on the road. The Column divided - the main body proceeding towards Elands River and a force of 326 men under Colonel Paget was left behind to cover Potchefstroom. Heavy firing heard from the direction of Elands River - Troops placed on half rations. Depatch sent to Zeerust for 6 days supplies in duplicate to be forwarded with all speed. The 6 days' forage arrived. I obtained under requisition 2 head of cattle - which gave 636 lb meat. All rations were called in and comprised:
Biscuits - 1,400 lb
Boer flour (Mealie) - 2,000 lb
Sugar - 230 lb
Coffee - 36 lb
Salt - 100 lb
Evaporated vegetables - 32 lb.
The column arrives at Potchstroom. The mules are in a bad way through over work. The column split with the majority going off to Elands River while a force of 326 under Colonel Paget remained to cover the transport section. Troops were all on half rations.
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen, War Diary, 3 August 1900 Topic: BW - NSW - NSWIB
NSWIB
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen
War Diary, 3 August 1900
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen War Diary, 3 August 1900.
This is an extract from the War Diary written by Major David Miller, Adjutant of the New South Wales Imperial Bushmen who arrived in the Mozambique port of Biera and then moved to Rhodesia as part of the journey for deployment in South Africa to see action in the Boer War.
3rd August 1900 - Friday
Left Zeerust at 8 a.m. arrived at camping ground at 4 p.m.. The Column now consists of two Brigades. Lord Errol's Brigade having joined General Carrington's Division. Supplies issued by 6.30 p.m. Mules much distressed. Spare wheels and poles are most necessary. All loading should be most carefully done and every vehicle should be labelled in a conspicuous manner as to the contents. A wagon-man should accompany each transport wagon.
Departed Zeerust with two brigades - General Carrington and Lord Errol's brigades. Miller opines about supply packing and movement.
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